How Many Syllables In Desire?
2syllables
Desire has 2 syllables, de-sire. It is a disyllabic word.
desire
/dɪˈzaɪə/ UK /dɪˈzaɪr/ US
Desire can also be said with 3 syllables (UK /dɪˈzaɪ.ə/).
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, sire.
Syllable Structure
CV/CV
Division By Sound
/dɪ.zaɪə/
Division By Letters
de-sire
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Desire
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | d | ɪ | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | z | aɪə | – | CV | open |
Why Desire Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /z/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /dɪˈzaɪə/ | /dɪˈzaɪr/ | 2 |
| Also | /dɪˈzaɪ.ə/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in desire?
Desire has 2 syllables, de-sire. In British English it is transcribed /dɪˈzaɪə/.
Which syllable is stressed in desire?
The second syllable, sire, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of desire?
Desire has the structure CV/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide desire into syllables?
By sound, dɪ.zaɪə. By letters, as a spelling guide, de-sire.